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Transport for London, which has asked West Wickham Town Centre Association to pay £4,000 for the required test certificates, insists the “clear licensing procedure” allows decorations to be “assessed appropriately”.

They have now pledged to contact traders to attempt to find a "workable solution".

This is the first year lampposts on the High Street, in the London borough of Bromley, have been required to undergo safety tests.

The road has recently been designated as a ‘red route’, meaning it is managed by TfL rather than Bromley Council. The category means it is one of London's major roads, carrying up to 30 per cent of city traffic.

Charles Sebestyen, a 70-year-old retired property executive who has lived nearby around half his life, has criticised the new requirements.

"It has killed the Christmas spirit in the West Wickham area,” he said.

"TfL is being ridiculous. I simply do not understand how something that has worked for a long time is now suddenly unsafe.

"It's just sad because in this economic climate, the traders can't afford it.

"David Cameron talks about the big society where people do something for themselves and this is what happens."

Jane Avis, secretary of the West Wickham Town Centre Association and managers of a family-run shop, said: "We're going to fight them all the way. We won't let them dampen our Christmas spirits.”

Peter Morgan, local councillor for renewal and recreation, said the council were now “pressing” TfL to see if “anything can be done to rectify this situation in time for Christmas."

TfL director of roads Dana Skelley said: "Safety on our road network is the top priority and any additional attachments to a lighting column on our road network have to be fully considered to ensure their weight or size does not have the potential to put the public at risk.

"That is why we have a clear licensing procedure in place to help ensure any applications for decorations can be assessed appropriately.

"Hundreds of these licences are issued for festive decorations across London every year however we will contact local traders to discuss the matter and see whether a workable solution can be found."